Joining a football coaching and training placement in Argentina will not only give you a taste of the Argentine passion for sport but also provide an insight into how important football is as a vehicle to tackle poverty and provide values to kids as they develop through life.

Football in ArgentinaConsistently among the favourites for World Cup success it is no surprise that Argentina’s favourite sport is Football. When talking about Argentine football, you immediately start discussing past and present football stars such as Tevez, Messi and Maradona to name but a few. Although your task will not be to find the next ‘Maradona’, you will soon discover that football is played in every field, street and alley way. Moreover, coaching football in Argentina is a great opportunity to see this street football in its most raw form, where some of the top players in the world have picked up their skills. This project represents a priceless opportunity to understand the Argentine way of playing football while creating a huge impact on the local community, helping develop their skills and providing them with values and commitment towards the sport.

Your Football Coaching PlacementThe volunteer coaching project in Argentina allows you to coach football at the local soccer school and clubs, players of whom are based in the shanty towns of Buenos Aires and enables kids to stay away from drugs and crime by giving them the chance to play football. This will give you valuable experience of coaching football at the grass roots level with the potential to also work in a more structured environment with local clubs and coaches. Over 40 young players are supported by the school at any one time which offers a safe, secure environment for young athletes to practise and play football. The players are typically aged between 4-16 years old and come mainly from disadvantages areas in Buenos Aires. By choosing to volunteer as a volunteer football coach in Argentina for your gap year, you will give young football players much better access to structured football training while also gaining a much deeper insight into Argentinean football.

We welcome football volunteers with varied levels of coaching experience. We just ask that you have played on a regular basis, have a good understanding of the game and possess a basic grounding in coaching principles. The emphasis is not on developing South America’s next international football star but about providing the opportunity for children from less advantaged backgrounds to develop socially through the medium of sport and build friendships over common grounds. From here you will be providing enthusiastic young ‘Portenos’ the chance to play the sport they love in an organised and fun environment. Whatever your background, rest assured that you will be able to offer something positive to the children by choosing to be a volunteer football coach in Argentina for your Gap Year.

Your Football Coaching RoleThe Football coaching takes place on weekdays, coaching underprivileged children in the shanty areas from 7pm until 9pm, leaving you plenty of time to explore Buenos Aires and the surrounding areas. As a part of a structured team you will assist the coaches by giving advice on how to set up new drills and exercises. You will see that skills represent a crucial part of argentine drills hence by introducing more principles of tactical movements, passing and team play, you will add a new dimension to their football training which you will soon see your players will truly appreciate. You will also be asked to help out with the educational side of the project, helping to teach the kids English in homework sessions before training.

Summer CampsSummer camps in Argentina run throughout January. These camps attract thousands of kids each year, and are run in conjunction with a government sports initiative aimed at getting kids out and doing something constructive with their summer holidays. Volunteer sports coaches are required to coach: football, hockey, rugby and tennis.

Your Football Training PlacementThe team is an amateur team located in the suburbs of Buenos Aires. The team comprises of local and international amateur and semi-professional players (hoping to make it to professional status). Their players age between 16-25 years making it an ideal team to make friends and also enjoy the social side of Football in Argentina.

You will have the opportunity to train with the team taking part in all physical and fitness sessions; these include drills, strategy techniques and possibly the chance to play at a competitive level. Training sessions are usually from 8:30am until 11:30am from Monday to Friday. Approximately 20-25 players compose the team.

CRB/ DBS (Criminal Records Bureau) CheckIt is advised that participants complete a CRB/ DBS (Criminal Records Bureau) check in order to take part in this project. Sporting Opportunities can provide this service for you at an additional cost of £30. For more information on the application process please take a look at the relevant Add On Tab.

Gap Year Football in ArgentinaCoaching and playing football on a football gap year in Argentina is a great way to experience the argentine passion for football and a totally new culture. By volunteering in Argentina on a football project you will soon make life long friends from your gap year football coaching opportunity.

Quick Facts

Trip Name

Football Coaching and Training

Trip Code

ARVFB1

Continent

South America

Country

Argentina

Airport

Buenos Aires Ezeiza Airport (airport code EZE)

Minimum Duration

2 Weeks

Maximum Duration

12 Weeks

Minimum Age

17

Trip Type

Volunteering, Train & Play, Summer Camps

Activity

Football

Cost

From £795 for 2 Weeks + £150 per Week

Deposit

£ 195.00

Preferred Duration

We would like volunteers to come on preferably an 8 or 12 week trip if possible. This ensures better management of the project and also helps you get the most from the social activities and group travel opportunities on offer. However, it is possible to come for any duration from 2 to 12 weeks.

Pre-requisites

No prior coaching experience or qualifications are required, but a basic understanding of the game and/or playing experience is necessary. You also need to be healthy and of reasonable fitness. Basic conversational Spanish is required.

Ideal for

Football Coaching Holidays and Placements in Argentina; Sports Coaching and Activity Breaks in South America; Sports Coaching Gap Years and Career Breaks in Argentina and Student Summer Holidays.

We like it if you can arrive on a Saturday/Sunday to give you the weekend to settle into your new surroundings, with your project starting on the Monday. Arrival dates can be flexible so talk to us if you can't make the above dates. However, we do like it if you can all arrive together to help you with settling into your new surroundings as a team!

Not Included

Flights; Travel Insurance; Visas; Vaccinations; Lunch and Dinner (Budget £8-£10 per day); Spending money; Transport to and from your placement; In country travel; Laundry service; Extra activities not on itinerary.

• • •

Equipment DonationWe believe that in order to develop a long term social sports project it is crucial the resources are made available to make a positive impact in the local community. Therefore part of the fee you pay goes towards buying decent equipment for beneficiary organisations in Argentina. You will often get to use this sports equipment during your project and it is always left with the community when you leave. In some cases, an equipment donation may not be appropriate so a financial contribution is made instead.

Spanish LessonsArgentina is a Spanish speaking country so you will really benefit from having a basic understanding of the language. If, however, you are not a confident Spanish speaker, you can take lessons at our language school in Buenos Aires when you arrive, and also during your sports project. The school offers groups lessons and personal one-to-one tuition from native Argentineans who will help develop your understanding of both the local language and culture in which you are living. Beginners, intermediates and advanced levels are all very welcome at the school and all will benefit greatly from their time there.

The language school also incorporates a number of social and cultural activities into your learning. This will allow you to really discover the local cuisine, traditional dancing and cultural experiences in the city, as well as building good friendships with your teachers and other participants on the course.

The language school runs lessons for 4 hours in the morning. You can therefore attend lessons during the morning and work at the volunteer placement during the afternoon. It does cost a little extra to attend the language school, but the benefits really are priceless. Not only will you be able to build stronger relationships and immerse yourself in the local culture, you will leave Buenos Aires with a transferable skill you can use for the rest of your life.

Social Life in ArgentinaSocial Life in Argentina represents an important part of daily life. People from Buenos Aires are commonly know as the “porteños” who have the reputation of being quite talkative. Not surprisingly, you will come across loads of cafeterias where people meet up and have long conversations. This particular porteño`s characterisctic will easily help you to meet likeminded people who love sport and love travelling. Therefore, by joining a local team club you will meet a great bunch of locals who will help you settle in rapidly and also teach you some Spanish slang!. In addition, our in-country team organises a variety of social activities to bring volunteers together, to share their experiences and, above all, have a good time.

Travel and Adventure in ArgentinaArgentina is well-known for its amazing diversity of landscapes and also its vast extension from North to South. It is not by chance that it has become a very popular volunteer travel destination over the last couple of years. You will get ample opportunities to head out of Buenos Aires and explore the local area at weekends. A popular volunteer activity is to visit a farm on the outskirts of Buenos Aires and discover the beauty of the surrounding landscapes while getting to know local villagers!

There are plenty of things to do in Buenos Aires; from attending tango sessions to experiencing a traditional Argentine steak. Lets us know if you can finish it! It is a cosmopolitan and cultural city which has been developing over recent years. The so called Paris of South America gives its name to historical buildings and impressive palaces. Therefore, if you love sports and would also like to experience a taste of an interesting and colourful culture then Buenos Aires is a must-visit!

Playing Sport in ArgentinaBesides the volunteer sports coaching projects, we appreciate that you might want to keep up with your own sport and fitness. Therefore, we have developed a number of opportunities for you to train and play in the sport you love. Apart from the fun of playing in a competitive environment you will also soon see what a great social opportunity this is to meet knew people a share sporting experiences. This will undoubtedly improve your Spanish and will give you greater insight into the lives of Argentineans and how they like to socialise. Therefore, you will have the opportunity to play your sport, learn Spanish in a fun environment while building cross-cultural friendships.

AccommodationAccommodation represents an important part of the social atmosphere in Argentina. Subject to volunteer numbers you will either be placed in our shared volunteer house / student residence in Buenos Aires, living with the other sports coaches who are in-country at the time, or placed in one of our homestay accommodations, living with a local family in the city. The accommodation is centrally located to your volunteer project with shops and other useful amenities close by.

CRB/DBS (Criminal Records Bureau) CheckParticipant's are advised to complete a CRB/DBS check in order to join this project. Sporting Opportunities has a partnership with a third party organisation that processes all CRB/DBS checks and disclosures on behalf of the Sporting Opportunities team. This is a quick and easy procedure making all aspects of the application as straight forward as possible. Sporting Opportunities can provide this service for you at an additional cost of £30. For more information on the application process please take a look at the relevant Add On tab.

Spanish Language Lessons in Argentina

Destination: Buenos Aires, Argentina

Duration: 20 hours

A package of 20 hours of lessons per week. Take 4 hours in the morning or for 4 hours in the afternoon.

The package includes 20 hours of lessons each week. You can choose to take 4 hours in the morning or for 4 hours in the afternoon which means you can fit your lessons around any project work you are doing.

Already know some Spanish? Do you want to learn more Spanish? Would you like to get some Spanish slang from Buenos Aires?

Our Spanish courses are designed with students in mind, therefore each class is directed in a fun and energetic way, focuses on students' interests, and encourages students to feel comfortable and to have fun with the Spanish language. Spanish group classes are made up of a small group of students, allowing ample time to practice conversation, engage in group activities, improve sentence structure, and maintain fluency throughout Spanish language dialogues. There are also a number of social and cultural activities included in your learning. The school organizes different activities throughout your stay so you can experience nights out with your colleagues as well as build up good relationships with your teachers. This is also a great way to get to know your way around should you choose to start the language lessons at the beginning of your trip.

Includes

Teaching

You get qualified teachers who run the Spanish lessons for you.

Lessons

You get 20hrs a week and can book more if you want

Learning Materials

All learning materils you need for your course will be provided.

24hr Support

You will have 24 hour support from our in-country team and UK based teams throughout your Spanish course.

This 17 day tour is the ultimate way to finish your sports project in Buenos Aires! Starting in your new home from home in Buenos Aires, you will travel across the Rio de la Plata to the town of Colonia in Uruguay, then on to the capital of this stunning country, Montevideo. The lively city is s real cultural hotspot and great place to spend a day and a night before heading off to a real working estancia ranch.

You will stay at the awesome Estancia farm for 3 days, soaking up all things rural, but don’t worry if farm work is not your thing, you can always just kick back and relax and embrace the simpler life! When you hit the road again you will be high tailing straight for the hugely impressive Iguazu waterfalls on the border of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. There is loads to do here, whether that is a helicopter ride or exploring on foot, you will be in awe of these stunning falls.

Following your Iguazu falls adventure you will head off to the town of Paraty to experience Brazil’s wildlife, jungle trails, hidden waterfalls and some amazing colonial architecture in the town. After Paraty, you will hit the road again heading towards Rio, but before you hit the carnival capital, you will be stopping off at the paradise island of Ilha Grande, where you can swim and snorkel in the crystal clear waters, bask on the white sand beaches and explore the lush rainforest.

Final stop on the road is Rio de Janeiro, the party capital of Brazil. Check out Christ the Redeemer, explore the local favelas, top up the tan on Copacabana beach, and soak up the spectacular views from Sugar Loaf Mountain. This is one hell of a tour!

Highlights:• Experience the lively and unique culture of Buenos Aires.• Meet the parakeets at Playa Mayor in Colonia.• Kick back and relax in Montevideo.• Experience rural life on a working Estancia ranch in Uruguay.• Feel the force of the incredible Iguazu Falls.• Explore the epic jungle trails and waterfalls in Paraty.• Swim and snorkel in the crystal clear waters of Ilha Grande.• Hear amazing stories of pirates on Brazil’s coasts.• Take in the views over Rio from Sugar Loaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer.• Perfect your Brazilian Samba skills with Rio’s locals.

Please enquire about specific dates to get an accurate quote on the tour price.

Includes

Accommodation

A range of accommodation styles are included for the duration of your tour.

CRB/DBS (Criminal Records Bureau) Check

To be eligible for some of our placements we require participants to use the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) Service, or Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) as it is now referred to. Completing a Criminal Records Check is an important and universally recognised way for Sporting Opportunities to check your suitability for the project especially those working with children or vulnerable people in a position of trust.

Sporting Opportunities has a partnership with a third party organisation that provides CRB/ DBS checks and disclosures on behalf of the Sporting Opportunities team. We can therefore process an application on your behalf, making the whole process as smooth and straightforward as possible for you.

You can check to see if your project requires a CRB check on the prerequisites section of your chosen trip, in which case you should choose the 'CRB/DBS (Criminal Records Bureau) Check' as an Add On whilst filling out your booking form.

If you have completed a CRB check within the past six months and can provide a valid certificate then you will not be required to make a new application.

Argentina, the second largest country in South America, and is the eighth largest in the world by land area. The climate is one of the most diverse in the world which varies from sub-tropical temperatures in the Patagonian desert to sub-zero temperatures along Cape Horn - one of the world’s most southerly city, Ushuaia, and the Americas' highest peak, Aconcagua in the Andes to the West of the country.

Despite earning headline fame for its economic and political upheavals, Argentina is not to be missed. It's one of South America's most captivating and passionate countries and for many visitors, the devaluation of the peso just means even more for your money. Sport plays a huge role in Argentinean society. The official national sport of Argentina is pato, played with a six-handle ball on horseback, but the most popular sport is association football.

Quick Facts

Name

Argentine Republic

Location

South America

Bordering Countries

Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil and Uruguay

Capital City

Buenos Aires

Government

Democratic Republican

Population

40 million approx

Language

Spanish

Currency

Peso

Name

Argentine Republic

Poverty

20.6% of population below the poverty line

Main Exports

Agricultural products, minerals, fats & oils

Climate

The climate is one of the most diverse in the world; Buenos Aires and the Pampas are temperate; cold in the winter, hot and humid in the summer; Patagonia is cool in the summer and cold in the winter.

Time Zone

GMT -3

Flag

Fun Facts• Argentina derives from Argentum, the Latin word for Silver• The country is the fifth largest producer of wine• Argentines have the largest consumption of red meat in the World

Travel Highlights • The fantastic Iguazú Falls, in the north-east corner of the country• The Nahuel Huapi National Park, in Patagonia in the foothills of the Andes mountains• El Calafate & The Perito Moreno Glacier, a must when visiting Argentina• The Ibera Wetlands (or Esteros del Ibera), a nature reserve of 13'000 km2• The wine regions of Mendoza and Salta are popular tourist destinations

Where is Argentina?The Argentine Republic is a large, elongated country in the southern part of South America, neighbouring countries being Bolivia, Brazil, and Paraguay to the north, Uruguay to the north east and Chile to the west. In the east Argentina has a long South Atlantic Ocean coastline.

History of ArgentinaArgentina was relatively sparsely populated until the period of European colonisation and archaeological history is relied upon to tell us about the indigenous population. Evidence suggests the first human settlements in Patagonia by the tribes known as Tehuelches around 13,000 years ago while the Diaguita of northwestern Argentina lived on the edges of the expanding Inca Empire. Europeans arrived in the region with the 1502 voyage of Amerigo Vespucci. Spanish navigator Juan Diaz de Solias visited what is now Argentina in 1516. Spain established a permanent colony on the site of Buenos Aires in 1580, although initial settlement was primarily overland from Peru. The Spanish further integrated Argentina into their empire by establishing the Vice Royalty of Rio de la Plata in 1776, and Buenos Aires became a flourishing port. Buenos Aires formally declared independence from Spain on July 9, 1816. From 1880 to 1930 Argentina became one of the world's 10 wealthiest nations based on rapid expansion of agriculture and foreign investment in infrastructure. However, instability in the government based on corruption and civil war reduced the incoming foreign investments which lead to a huge fiscal deficit and currency devaluation. Despite economic setbacks, Argentina is today a prosperous country, although grass roots sport is yet to be developed, and although they have had their downfalls, they have had many successes as well. Argentineans are proud of their heritage and like to share their scars and achievements with anyone who asks. Not to mention that they are also happy to play soccer as long as you show an interest and have athletic feet to keep up. This is a vibrant country to volunteer in and is sure to leave lasting memories.

Language in ArgentinaThe official language of Argentina is Spanish, with the prominent regional dialect Rioplantense. Other spoken languages are English, Italian, German, French, Portuguese, Russian, Polish and even a few places in Patagonia have native Welsh speakers.

Food in ArgentinaContinental dishes such as pasta, sausage and dessert dishes are popular in Argentina. They also enjoy a wide variety of indigenous dishes which include empanadas (a stuffed pastry), locro (a mixture of corn, beans, meat, bacon, onion, and gourd), humitas and yerba mate, all originally indigenous Amerindian staples, the latter considered Argentina's national beverage.

The Argentine barbecue, asado as well as a parrillada, includes various types of meats, among them chorizo, sweetbread, chitterlings, and morcilla (blood sausage). Sandwiches de miga, are also popular. Argentines have the highest consumption of red meat in the world.

Climate in ArgentinaArgentina’s sheer size and rich Flora, Fauna and varied terrain means the climate various from region to region. The north is subtropical, and in southern Patagonia it is sub-Antarctic, whilst in The Pampas the climate is mild and humid.

Festivals in ArgentinaThe Gualeguaychu Carnival bridges January and February. This is one of the biggest festivals in Argentina, involves street music, dancing and colourful costumes, and is likened to the Mardi gras festivals of Rio de Janeiro. The Buenos Aires Tango Festival celebrates the city as the birthplace of Tango with big performances and free lessons. The major Argentinian music festival ‘Personal Fest’ takes place at the Club Ciudad de Buenos Aires; it is considered the most important international music festival in the country, with national and international bands playing rock, pop, funk, dance, and others.

Travelling in ArgentinaWalking: Buenos Aires is known as a great place for walking, you can combine bus & subway rides with walks through the streets to make the most of the city. If you get lost you will receive help from the locals, the friendly ‘porteños’ and some advice on the best things to check out. Taxis: Buenos Aires has an excellent Taxi Service, (with around 32,000), you will wait only a few minutes to get a taxi in the touristic areas. Taxis are painted yellow on the roof and black on the rest, a taxi is available when a red light in the inside is on and/or says LIBRE, the fare is metered in Argentinean pesos by the time and the distance travelled, rates are established by the Municipality and should not change from day to night. Urban Buses: known as ‘Colectivos’ they are a fast and inexpensive means of transportation around the city. Over 180 bus lines operate 24 hours each day, the fare is paid directly to the driver or into a machine at the front of the bus (this must be paid by coins only). These take some getting used to but are a good way of seeing Buenos Aires at low cost. Subway: also called the ‘Subte’ is the quickest and easiest means of transportation around the city, but can be uncomfortable especially in the heat of the summer. It is reliable and punctual. For longer journeys, Argentina has a reliable railway service on lines that are open. A lot of lines are still to be laid. The most popular route is from Buenos Aires to Mar del Plata. The rail option is half the price of the longer bus journeys, but there is much more option if travelling longer distances by bus.

Sport in ArgentinaSouth America has a wealth of sporting talent. You only need mention the national football teams of Brazil, Argentina and Mexico to realise the skill, flair and passion for sport on the South America continent.The national football team has won 25 major international titles including two FIFA World Cups, two Olympic gold medals and fourteen Copa Américas. Football is the most popular sport and if you are in Buenos Aires on the day of the local Derby you are likely to be asked “Boca or River?” as the Porteños assume that everybody is interested in football. Many young Porteños dream of representing their country, and with recent history it is not difficult to understand why. Argentina won both Basket and football Olympic gold medal in Athens 2004. Other sports are quickly developing with the Women’s Field Hockey team winning the Hockey World Cup in 2002 and came third in 2006. Tennis was once a sport reserved for the wealthy until the Argentinian Guillermo Vilas did well in international competitions. Now it is played by young people throughout the country.

Some of you may be wondering where the money you pay towards your sports placement is actually going. As with any trip overseas, there are many things to consider that incur a cost, all of which are added benefits making the experience as memorable and fulfilling as possible!

Project AssessmentBefore you see a sports placement on our website, a lot of background work has gone on. We have met with local organisations, vetted in-country staff, conducted rigorous safety assessments and thoroughly evaluated the benefits of the placement. Only then do you get to see the placement on our website and book or apply for your place, safe in the knowledge that it is a well-structured and great opportunity to gain some sporting experience overseas.

Help Choosing Your PlacementIf you are not sure which sports placement or country to choose, our hugely informative Travel Advisors are here to help. They are a friendly bunch, have all travelled extensively, all love sport and can offer lots of advice on choosing the right placement for you. This makes the task of deciding to travel much less intimidating, and far more exciting.

Pre-departure AdviceOnce you have booked your placement, you will be assigned a dedicated Travel Advisor to offer essential pre-departure advice on vaccinations, visas, kit lists and more. They will also be on call to answer those important last minute questions like “how many pairs of socks do I need?” and “can I take my mobile phone with me?”

Help with Flights and InsuranceWe do not include flights and travel insurance in our placement fee. This avoids us having to pass on unnecessary admin charges to you. It also gives you flexibility to plan any further travel before or after your volunteer placement. We do, however, offer lots of help on this through our leading flights and insurance partners, providing you with an easy booking facility and the best prices around.

Airport Pick-UpLanding in a foreign country for the first time can be daunting. This is why we ensure our in-country staff are there to meet you on arrival. There’s nothing like seeing a friendly face when you walk out of a new airport. And once we have given you a warm welcome, the in-country staff will take you back to your accommodation where you can meet the people you will be living with.

Arrival OrientationWe will take you through a local orientation and placement induction on arrival. This will introduce you to any useful amenities and local customs, and it will also show you how to stay safe while you are abroad. Our team also have lots of handy travel tips and advice if you are thinking of exploring the country in your spare time.

Accommodation and FoodAccommodation is included in all of our sports placements. Our volunteer houses, family home-stays and shared residences are comfortable and very sociable places to live while overseas. In some destinations, you may be able to upgrade to alternative accommodation. Just contact us for details. We endeavour to supply food on all of our placements, however in some cases this is not always possible. In many cases you will receive at least 1 meal a day, please see the project summary for further details.

In-Country StaffYour safety and enjoyment is extremely important to us. That’s why we have dedicated in-country teams to look after you throughout your sports placement. Our staff live nearby, can be reached 24-hours a day and will check-in with you throughout your placement to ensure everything is running smoothly, and you are happy in your new environment.

24-Hour Emergency SupportIn addition to our in-country staff, you will benefit from our international support network. You will be given emergency contact details before you leave which you can call in the event of a crisis. We are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Ongoing Volunteer Project SupportFor every person who travels with us, we make a donation to support our registered sports charity, United Through Sport. This donation funds future initiatives in many countries around the worlds, and helps to support the local community, ensuring that those living in disadvantaged communities also have opportunities to develop in their chosen sport.

Giving Others the Same Amazing OpportunitiesIn order to provide a reliable flow of participants on our overseas sports placements, we have to spend a chunk of money on recruiting people like you to take part in these amazing experiences. It costs to maintain a website, an office, phone lines and a team of dedicated Travel Advisors to answer all your questions!

There are quite a few things to consider and to organise before you travel to your chosen destination to take part in your placement, trip or tour.

Flights and insurance are not included on your placement which means you will have to arrange them before you leave. But don't panic this can be simpler than you may think! To make life much easier for you, we offer a free, personal booking service through our chosen flights and insurance partner – STA Travel. They will guide you every step of the way. Simply email STA Travel at sportingopportunities@statravel.co.uk or call +44 (0)333 321 3102 to meet your personal booking agent and get a free quote.

In many cases your chosen destination country will have requirements with with regards to visas, which will depend on the purpose of your visit, and there will be recommended and required vaccinations to make sure you are protected against any possible health issues that you may face in specific areas. Sporting Opportunities is here to help and we are on hand to provide you with advice on visas and vaccinations.

FlightsBooking your flights is an essential part of your trip. That's why we have teamed-up with STA Travel. This means that once you have reserved your place on your chosen placement, trip or tour, you will have a dedicated booking agent on hand to talk through your plans.

Travelling after your project? Need a round-the-world ticket? Not a problem. Your booking agent will work with you to find the most suitable and flexible flights possible. And remember, the sooner you book your tickets, the better the price will be.

STA Travel is also one of the world’s largest flight providers specialising in adventure travel and can therefore offer some of the cheapest prices around. They have over 700 branches worldwide, which makes them easy to contact wherever you are in the world. They also hold an ATOL licence through the Civil Aviation Authority, meaning you can book in confidence, secure in the knowledge that your flights are fully protected.

Note: If you choose to book your tickets through another flight provider, you must ensure that they hold a full ATOL licence.

Why are flights not included?By not including flights in our placements, trips and tours, it avoids us having to pass on unnecessary admin charges to you. This keeps the cost of your trip lower and also means you have the freedom to search around for the lowest fares and most flexible tickets that fit your travel plans. It also means you can benefit from the expertise of our preferred partner – STA Travel.

InsuranceWe take the safety of our travellers very seriously. You must therefore book adequate travel insurance before you come away with us – you simply won’t be able to participate in your placement, trip or tour if you don’t. Although policies vary, your insurance must include emergency medical expenses, personal accident cover, and repatriation. We also recommend that you book baggage, personal liability and cancellation cover.

To help you navigate through this confusing world of insurance, we have partnered with STA Travel to offer you a specialist insurance service. Your personal advisor will find out exactly what you’re planning to do, from scuba diving to jumping out of planes, and tailor a policy specific to your requirements. In addition to this personal service, some of the other benefits of booking with STA Travel are as follows:

• Access to a network of over 700 branches in over 40 countries worldwide• Advice and assistance over the phone from a travel help facility, available 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year• Access to a 24-hour multilingual emergency telephone number for medical help, hospital treatment and/or repatriation• A choice of 3 levels of cover to suit your needs – budget, standard and premier• A range of durations, from 4 days up to a maximum of 24 months• A simple extension service that gives you the flexibility to extend your 4-week volunteer project while in-country (up to 24 months!)• Cover for over 100 adventure sports and adrenalin activities, including black water rafting, bungee jumping, elephant trekking, heli-skiing, kite surfing, scuba diving, shark cage diving and sky diving• Peace of mind – STA Travel is an Appointed Representative of Towergate Underwriting Group Limited and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

Note: You must provide us with details of your travel insurance before you leave as you will not be permitted to participate on your placement, trip or tour if you do not have adequate cover. It is also advisable to book your cover as early as possible to make sure you are insured for cancellation of your trip due to illness, serious accident or any other insurable reason.

Why is insurance not included?Each of our volunteer’s plans are different, and while STA Travel can provide adequate cover for the vast majority of our travellers, there may be some activities or destinations that cannot be covered by STA Travel. It is therefore important to give you the freedom to choose the insurance that covers your plans and that you feel comfortable with. It also saves us from having to pass on extra admin costs to you.

Visas Different destination countries have different visa requirements depending on things such as your length of stay and your reasons for entering the country, and whether you will be gaining paid work during your time in the country. Sporting Opportunities will supply your with any advice you need with regards to the visas you require for your chosen destination, and we will make information available to you to assist with your application.

It is important that you check your visa requirements well in advance of your travel date, as with many tourist and working holiday visas you will need to submit an application to the relevant consulate, embassy or high commission before your travel date. In some cases entry to your destination country will be granted at immigration on arrival without having to apply for a visa before the departure date for your travels.

With all visa applications it is important that you have sufficient space available in your passport for the relevant visas required for your travels, and that your passport is valid for at least six months after your planned date of return.

VaccinationAt least 6 – 8 weeks before your chosen travel date you should visit your local GP or Nomad Travel Clinic to discuss your vaccination and medication requirements. Your medical professional will be able to advise you of any recommended and required vaccinations for your chosen destination(s).You should inform your doctor of all of your destination countries, and what activities you plan on doing, and in which regions you plan to stay while you are there, as different regions and activities have different health risks in some countries.

Some destination countries will require you to produce a certificate of vaccination in order to enter the country, so be sure that you understand any vaccination requirements for your chosen destination, so that you do not have any issues when passing through customs.

Above all you should make sure you are well prepared for your travels, so that you have the best experience possible whilst overseas!

Speak To UsIf you have any questions or would like some more information, simply contact one of our friendly Travel Advisors. They will answer any queries you have and tell you what it’s really like to be a volunteer sports coach overseas. You can give us a call, request a call back or drop us an email.

Book Your PlaceOnce you have decided to volunteer with us, you can secure your place by paying a small deposit. You will then be able to pay the rest of your project fee in easy-to-manage instalments.

Welcome PackOnce we have received your deposit, we will send you a welcome email confirming your booking. This will contain your personal login details for your Travel Centre – an online account full of useful information about your destination, you chosen project and all the things you need to do before you depart.

Personal InformationWe will ask you to provide some key information to help us create the best volunteer experience for you, such as medical and dietary requirements, any previous coaching you have done, and what you’re hoping to get out of your time abroad. We may also ask you to complete a police background check.

Flights and InsuranceYou will need to book your flights and travel insurance before you leave, and then provide us with these details. We do not include flights and insurance in the project fee (to avoid passing on extra admin costs to you) but our partners will help you find the best options around.

Visas and VaccinationsNext you will need to get your vaccinations and visas for your project. Your travel nurse or local doctor will tell you exactly what you need. We will also provide you with lots of information to make obtaining your visa very straightforward.

Final PaymentWe will ask you for your final payment 90 days before your scheduled departure date. Once paid, you will be ready to pack your bags, grab your passport and get on the plane

OrientationOur in-country team will give you a warm welcome at the overseas airport before taking you to your accommodation. You will then receive a comprehensive orientation to help you settle in to the country and prepare you for your project.

"Hola amigos! Just got back to the UK after a epic trip out in Buenos Aires. I can safely say that it's one of my favourite places in the world.So many things make this city great be it the food, women, wine, or footy!"

James Kennedy

''I had an amazing experience and the team in Argentina are fantastic. Thanks to Alejandro for really showing me the true Argentine way of life. I look forward to visting again someday and seeing how the kids have developed their Messi skills!"

Jason Evans

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Nomad Travel Store

If you need travel kit and/or vaccinations then we have the perfect solution for you. Check out the details below and get great discounts to help you along your sports travel plans!

Nomad Travel has been kitting out travellers for a wide range of trips since 1990.

Specialising in kit that can take you off the beaten track, Nomad ensure that you leave fully prepared for your trip. With large ranges in-store and online including clothing, rucksacks, footwear and a lot more as well as a team of travel experts to help you select your gear, Nomad are the one stop shop for all your sports travel needs.

In addition Nomad have been providing travel health advice to thousands of people to ensure they leave prepared health-wise for their sports trip. As well as general advice about your destination, vaccinations and information about anti-malaria options, you will also be able to discuss any health issues you might be worried about when travelling abroad.

Sporting Opportunities have teamed up with Nomad Travel Stores to offer great deals on a whole range of equipment and clothing.

By quoting 'SW1000' you will be entitled to a 10% discount on travel gear and vaccinations, both online and in-store.

Visit their website to take advantage of this great offer and service here: www.nomadtravel.co.uk

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Testimonials

"Taking my love of tennis to Argentina was a dream come true. I will never forget this once in a life time opportunity to play and coach tennis to a range of abilities in such a great country. Thanks to all who were part of this".

"The sports tour that Sporting Opportunities arranged for us was perfect. South Africa was a great country and having the mix of playing against locals as well as coaching sport to kids in the townships was a nice balance. Doing two weeks in South Africa has made a number of us want to come back for a longer stint on one of your 5 week volunteer coaching projects so look out for us. Thanks to all involved".

"Taking the girls on this two week hockey tour was excellent. It was the first time that any of us had been to South Africa and the team made us feel extremely welcome and comfortable. You pack so much into such a short period which totally tired us out but apart from being great fun will be a fond memory for years to come. We'll certainly be looking at coming away with you again".

"A well organised trip with a difference. Combining playing and coaching as well as all the cultural things you put on for us was a great idea. To even get to a Springboks Rugby game was a special treat for the lads on this tour so thanks for going the extra mile to make this happen for us".

"Seeing the kids in week one be so fearful of the water to seeing them confidently swim after my 5 weeks in South Africa has been the most rewarding experience of my life. Thank you to everyone involved."

"Every single detail about the ski instructor course exceeded my expectations by a mile and has totally changed my life! The only drawback of the whole 11 weeks is that I’ve become one serious powder junkie."

"Already miss my fave boys and the kids from volunteering. Making plans to return already! Thanks to everyone that helped. I've
literally had the greatest two weeks of my life despite how contrasting they were to normal life here."